Jonathan Jacobson, the state assemblyman representing Newburgh and Poughkeepsie, introduced Bill A352 to the NYS assembly for the 2021-2022 legislative session.
The bill establishes that the purchase or possession of a body vest shall be a class A misdemeanor.
In a world where we are in increasing fear of gun violence, this bill would strip New York citizens of an inexpensive and passive method of self-protection.
While body armor is most known for its use by military and police, private citizens can also benefit from it: Private security guards, those attending protests, or even those who live in a bad part of town can feel safer being able to wear body armor when they are in a potentially dangerous situation.
This year we have seen unprecedented civil unrest and increasing gun violence. According to the Gun Violence Archive, May 2020 had the highest number of mass shootings (56) since it started tracking mass shootings in 2013.
No state currently prohibits the purchase or use of body armor, with the exception of felons and those engaged in criminal activity. This bill is attempting to enact the strictest body armor law in the country.
After the violence we have seen in recent years, it is unreasonable and unjust to deny New York citizens the right to protect themselves from gun violence.
Please call your local representative and let them know we oppose this bill. You can also oppose the bill and get updates from www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/A352.
Maggie Holmes
Warwick